We’ll help you finish what you started.
You know what you want—now let's get you there. Whether you're coming in with an associate degree or a mix of credits from multiple schools, NU will help you make the most of your previous coursework and build a clear, affordable path toward your bachelor’s degree.
Transfer Students Are a Vital Part of NU
You’re among friends at NU. We understand that every transfer journey is different, and we want to help your eligible credits count toward your degree.
25% of students at NU joined our community as a transfer student.
66% of new Kirkland undergraduate students started at NU with college credits already earned.
Your previous work matters. We’ll help you understand how eligible credits can apply toward your degree and closer towards graduation.
How Will My Credits Transfer to NU?
Every transfer journey is different. NU will evaluate your credits in one of two ways: as a block transfer if you have a qualifying associate degree or course-by-course based on the college coursework you’ve completed.
1. Completed a qualifying associate degree?
NU will award you 60 semester credits and junior academic standing. Your degree will also satisfy most of NU’s Core Curriculum requirements, helping you move more quickly into your major. Qualifying degrees include:
- Washington: Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) from Washington community colleges.
- Oregon: Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) or Associate of Science Oregon Transfer (ASOT) from Oregon community colleges.
- Idaho: Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree that meets Idaho’s General Education Matriculation (GEM) requirements.
- California: Associate Degree Transfer (ADT) with Associate of Arts (AA-T) or Associate of Science (AS-T) from California community colleges.
*NU's core curriculum includes Theology and Bible coursework, which associate degrees typically don't satisfy. However, depending on your total credits or the completion of a qualifying block transfer, some Bible and Theology requirements may be waived. Your admissions counselor can assist in identifying which courses may transfer or qualify for a waiver.
2. Course-by-Course Transfer
You don’t need an associate degree to transfer to NU. Whether you have completed individual college courses or earned credits from multiple institutions, we’ll evaluate your coursework course by course. Eligible courses may apply toward your Core Curriculum, major requirements, or general electives. Your admissions counselor can help you understand how your previous coursework may fit into your NU degree plan.
Use our to find courses that NU has previously evaluated:
- Find your college or university using the A–Z Index or Institution Search.
- Select your institution and search for the course you completed.
- Review the approved NU course equivalency.
Don’t see your institution or course? That doesn’t necessarily mean your credit won’t transfer. It may simply mean NU hasn’t evaluated it yet. Contact your transfer admissions counselor at transfer@northwestu.edu for help reviewing your coursework.
*Course equivalencies are subject to change. TES is an informational planning tool and does not constitute an official transfer-credit evaluation or guarantee how credits will apply toward your degree. Official transfer credit is determined after admission and receipt of all required official transcripts.
**All transfer courses must be completed with a grade of C- or above. Some majors require higher grades. Reach out to your admissions counselor for program-specific details.
Find the Right Program for Your Next Step
Your Major
Your major can affect how your previous coursework applies toward your degree. Explore NU’s undergraduate programs early, then work with your transfer admissions counselor to build the most efficient path toward graduation.
Explore Undergraduate ProgramsInterested in Nursing?
Transferring into NU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program involves specific prerequisites and a separate NursingCAS application. Review the requirements and application timeline early so you can create a plan for completing any remaining coursework.
Explore Nursing Admission RequirementsNot Sure How Your Credits Fit Your Major? Your admissions counselor can help you identify how previous courses may apply toward your intended program and which requirements you may have remaining.
“Coming from a community college as a transfer student, I never fully understood the importance of community until I arrived at º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½. As soon as I stepped on campus, I was known by name and welcomed into this community with open arms. It was such an unexpected and wonderful experience. I found myself part of a community that lived, studied, laughed, and worshipped together. º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ creates countless opportunities for all students to find belonging and create meaningful connections.”
—Shelbie Frye, Educational Studies and NU Alumnus
º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ and Scholarships for Transfer Students
In addition to qualified State and Federal º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½, º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ rewards hard work with generous scholarships and robust need-based grants for transfer students. Our transfer team is happy to work with you!
- Transfer Academic Scholarships – $5,000–$13,000 per year
- Additional NU Scholarships – Transfer students may qualify for program, talent, athletic, visit, and Emerging Leader.
- Need-Based º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ – Complete the FAFSA to be considered for federal, state, and NU Grant.
How to Apply
Ready to transfer to º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½? Follow these steps to complete your application. Your transfer admissions counselor is available to help you throughout the process.
1. Complete Your Application
Create your applicant account and submit the º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ application.
2. Send Your Official College Transcripts
Request an official transcript from every college or university you have attended. Transcripts should be sent directly to º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ by the issuing institution or an approved electronic transcript service.
Undergraduate Admissions
º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½
5520 108th Ave. NE
Kirkland, WA 98033
3. Submit Your High School Transcript, If Required
An official high school transcript is required if you have completed fewer than:
- 20 semester credits, or
- 30 quarter credits
*If you have completed at least 20 semester or 30 quarter credits, the high school transcript requirement for admission is waived.
What Happens Next?
Once your application and required transcripts have been received, the Admissions team will review your application. Your admissions counselor will contact you if any additional information is needed.
- Complete the FAFSA. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be considered for need-based federal, state, and NU grants.
- Request a free unofficial transcript evaluation. See how your previous coursework may transfer and apply toward your intended degree.
- And once you’re Accepted:
- Review your financial aid offer. Connect with Student Financial Services if you have questions about scholarships, grants, or your estimated costs.
- Confirm your enrollment. Submit your $100 Confirmation Deposit using the personalized link sent to you after acceptance.
- Follow your Accepted Student Checklist. Complete the remaining steps for advising, registration, orientation, and preparing to attend NU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will NU accept my credit?
In most cases, yes! We want to give you as much credit as possible for your work completed at another institution. And we’ve structured our general education requirements to accommodate transfer students. With flexibility you can enjoy more of the classes you want while still completing your degree on time. Some programs have prescriptive requirements, so ask an Admissions Counselor to guide you on the fastest path.
How long will it take to complete my degree?
NU is transfer friendly, accepting lots of credit! Please contact an Admissions Counselor for an unofficial transcript review. Your unofficial transcript review will approximate the time required to complete your degree at NU, and which classes you need. We will even conduct an unofficial review of your credits before you submit an application! Email transfer@northwestu.edu for more information.
Do you offer credit for AP, IB, CLEP, Dantes, military training, or prior learning?
Yes! You may earn credit that is transferrable to º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ from a variety of sources. º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ offers credit for successful completion of CLEP, AP, IB, and Dantes exams, in addition to military training (provided it is reflected on an official transcript) and prior learning, through the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
For detailed information regarding earing credit at º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ from these sources, you can consult our and Standardized Exam Table, or contact an Admissions Counselor at transfer@northwestu.edu.
When does the next term start? Is º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ on the semester or quarter system?
º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ utilizes the semester system, so you can apply for either the Fall (August-December) or Spring (January-May) terms. We offer online classes during the summer. Certain programs only start in the Fall semester. Please contact an Admissions Counselor at transfer@northwestu.edu to find out if this applies to you.
What is the difference between Running Start students and Transfer Students?
If you have taken college credit after high school graduation then you are considered a Transfer Student. If you completed your college credits before high school graduation then you will apply to NU as a new incoming student with Running Start college credit.
I™m still enrolled in classes. When should I submit my transcripts for my application?
We recommend completing your application as soon as possible because financial aid is awarded when you are accepted to the University and after completing the FAFSA. Submit your current official college transcripts from all colleges previously attended with your application. Once you finish your term, send a new transcript reflecting your completed courses.
I want to apply to the Nursing program but I have not completed the Bible courses. How do I finish them before the program begins?
This is very common among transfer students, and º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ can recommend a few options for you. An Admissions Counselor can work with you to make a plan for completing the Nursing prerequisites: transfer@northwestu.edu. Take a look at the Nursing Admissions page for more details.
My GPA is not very good. Can I still be considered for admission to NU?
The º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Admissions Committee considers students holistically and decisions are made after reviewing each part of the application. If you are concerned that your grades do not match your academic abilities, consider submitting a supplementary essay describing your academic history and your plan for success at º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½. Please provide your essay to your Admissions Counselor.
How do I know what class standing I will have when I transfer my credits to NU?
| Class Standing | Semester Credits | Quarter Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman | 0 – 29.9 | 0 – 44.9 |
| Sophomore | 30 – 59.9 | 45 – 89.9 |
| Junior | 60 – 89.9 | 90 – 134.9 |
| Senior | 90+ | 135+ |
Note: All credits accepted by º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ are converted into and reported in semester credit hours. One quarter credit is equal to two-thirds of a semester credit. Semester credits are calculated by dividing the total number of quarter credits by 1.5.
Who can answer my questions about the GI Bill® and how to access my educational benefits through the military?
You can find all your answers at our Veteran Benefits page, or contact our VA Coordinator at veterans@northwestu.edu.
Questions about transferring?
I would love to answer any questions you have about transferring to º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½.
Edward Pace
Transfer Admissions Counselor
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
425-889-6285